Report of Robt. W. Furnas, United States commissioner for Nebraska, at the World's industrial and cotton centennial, New Orleans ...

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RBPORT

OF

ROBT. W. FURNAS,

UNITED STATES

Commissioner for M^km,

AT THE

WORLD'S INDUSTRIAL AND COTTON CENTENNIAL,

NEW ORLEANS.

" JUST 18."

WHITTKN BY A NBW OBLBAHS LADY IN THE HTATX BBGISTBR,
AFTEB yiSWINO THB KBBBA8ICA EXHIBIT.

Fair Atalanta of the Western States !
, Thy nimble leet outstrip the rising mom :
Hippomenes to-day no longer waits,—
Who tempts thee now, must offer golden com.
N. 0., Sunday, April «, ISSS. ». e. u.

LINCOLN, NEB:

JOURNAL CO., State printers,

1885.

Cornell University
Library

The original of tliis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.

There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.

http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014568889

COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.

To His Excellenei/, Hon. James W. Dawes, Governor of Nelraska:

SiE — By virtue of an act. of congress, and on your recommfendation, I was
honored with the following commission from the President of the United
States :

CHESTER A. ARTHUR,
President op the United States op America.
To all who shall see these presents, Ch-eeting : Know ye, That, reposing special
trust and confidence in the integrity and ability of Robert W. Furnas, and
upon the recommendation of the Governor of the state of Nebraska, I d»
appoint the said Robert W. Furnas to be a Commissioner to represent the
said state, under the act of congress entitled "An act to encourage the hold-
ing of a World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition in the year
eighteen hundred and eighty-four," approved February 10, 1883, and sub-
ject to the provisions thereof.

In testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent,

^_^.^ and the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed.

r SEAL ^ Done at the City of Washington, this 5th day of February,

1 STATES. I in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and

' — ' — ' eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of

America the 108th.

By the President :

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
• Fred. T. Frelixghuysen,

Secretary of State.

After executing the prescribed oath of office, I at once entered upon the
work assigned, and to the best of my ability, aided by your counsel and ad-
vice, discharged the duties involved, and herewith submit an account of my
stewardshii).

THE exposition FUND.

A statement of my work, together "with vouchers for expenditures to date,
January 1st, 1885, amounting to $6,618.49, were presented to the legislative
assembly, wlien last in session. At my request, a special committee was

4 NEW OELBANS EXHIBITION.

appointed by that body to examine and audit the accounts, which was done
and the report approved by the legislature, as will be seen by printed Jour-
nal. I now hand you for examination a detailed itemized account of con-
tinued receipts and expenditures from that date to close of Exposition, return
and final disposition of material composing the state exhibit.

On assuming duties of the Commission, as you are aware, no funds were
at command for collecting and making a State Exhibit at New Orleans. In
May, 1884, on the invitation of Director General Burke, I met him, with
commissioners from other states and territories, at the city of Washington,
for the purpose of consultation, and to devise means by which a general rep-
resentation of all parts of the United States might be secured in presenting
a grand National Exhibit. During the session of the Commissioners, con-
gress passed an act loaning the Exposition one million dollars. From this
fund the management decided and arranged to donate the sum of |5,000 to
each state and territory making a collective exhibit. Returning to Nebraska,
and after consultation with yourself and others, a $5,000 loan was obtained,
Kiepending on future legislation for re-imbursement. While the State Com-
imissioners were in session at Washington, it was universally agreed among
-them that in place of each state erecting distinct head-quarter buildings,
ithe Exposition management should construct annex head-quarter accommo-
.dations, adjoining respective state exhibits, and that $1,000 of the |5,000
vdonated, should be reserved for this purpose. Thus Nebraska had the sum
of $9, 000 with which to commence collecting and making an exhibit.

With this sum at command, aided by generous citizens from all parts of
the state, I made and installed a collective state exhibit at the World's In-
dustrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, New Orleans, La., commencing
December 16, 1884, and to close May 31, 1885. While this exhibit was such
as attracted universal attention, and obtained honorable mention from all
sources, it was not, in my estimation, complete. It was not what we should
and could present on so important an occasion. In January I came home.
The legislature being then in session, the matter was presented that body
for consideration. Appreciating the opportunity of presentiug the state's
resources to the world, an act was passed appropriating the sum of $15,000,
with which to enlarge and otherwise improve our exhibit.

Five thousand dollars of this appropriation, with so much additional as
was required to pay the loan, with interest, was used first for that purpose.
With the remainder I returned to New Orleans and proceeded to enlarge and
more extensively elaborate the exhibit. Head-quarters was extended ; new,
artistic display made ; a commodious reading room arranged, where files of
nearly all papers in the state were kept ; mail facilities and accommodation
prepared— in short a "home" of comfort and convenience was provided for
the many Nebraskans who visited the Exposition, as well as for the thousand

REPORT OF NEBRASKA COMMISSIONER. t)

inquiriDg strangers who thronged our quarters, seeking information as to the
far West. We enjoyed the reputation of having the most extensive and con-
venient accommodations of the kind on the grounds.

In the use of funds intrusted me, I aimed to present the state I had the
honor to represent, to the very hest possible advantage with the least possi-
ble expenditure. It was universally conceded that no other state exhibit at
New Orleans was superior to that of Nebraska. I am quite sure you will
find, after an examination of my accounts, no money was uselessly expended.

It will be seen by vouchers on file that stipulated compensations were paid
John C. Bonnell, Samuel Barnard, S. McConiga, Mrs. S. C. Elliott, James
T. .Allan, and others employed. These compensations were in no ease ex-
travagant ; only a fair recompense for services rendered. No compensation
or allowance whatever was retained or used by myself above actual living
expenses — board and lodging — and that at no time exceeded the sum of
$2.50 per day, during my whole term of service.

There remains in the state treasury unexpended, as shown by my state-
ment, the sum of $219.35, From this an amount sufficient to pay for print-
ing this report is yet to be deducted.

NEBRASKA DAY.

In keeping with the universally observed plan of the Exposition manage-
ment, the 11th of March, 1885, was designated as "Nebraska Day." It
was regretted uncontrollable circumstances prevented the attendance of the
governor and other state officials. Hon. Allen W. Field, speaker of the
Nebraska House of Representatives, together with a goodly number of mem-
bers of the Legislature, however, honored the occasion with their presence,
and participated in the ceremonies of the day. The exercises consisted of
an oration by Hon. John M. Thurston, musical entertainment by the cele-
brated Mexican Typical orchestra, refreshments, extending hospitalities
and courtesies, distribution of state souvenirs, and general social intercourse.
Mr. Thurston did himself and the state honor, both in his oratorical eifort
and in presentation of state statistics.

Prof. Chas. E. Bessey, Dean of the Nebraska Agricultural and Industrial
College of the State University, was present on myjinvitation, and in an able
address presented the educational and agricultural advantages of the state,
with telling eifect.

"Nebraska Day" exercises, entertainments, and attendance, were re-
garded by all , to say the least, as one of the best of the Exposition. The
Times- Democrat, the leading New Orleans daily, referring to "Nebraska
Day, ' ' said :

" The Nebraska reception was pronounced by all who were so fortunate as
to be present last Wednesday, at the government building of the Exposi-

6 NEW ORLEANS EXHIBITION.

tion, to be the most elegant and recherche affair oi the kind that has been
attempted by any of the states represented, and every way in keeping with
the beautiful exhibit .that has excited unbounded admiration of all be-
holders, for the exquisite taste displayed in the decoration and beautiful
designs executed with such artistic taste in the grains and grasses of this
state.

" Well may the representatives of Nebraska be proud of not only their
state, but the successful management of this gala day reception. Nebraska's
head-quarters are as handsome as a lady's boudoir, and the walls are deco-
rated with bright colored wall-paper, with a fringe made of red and j'ellow
corn. It is a matter of continued astonishment how anything so homely
in itself, say the corn cob and grains of corn, can so deftly be made to serve
the purpose of beautifying wall panels and posts. A platform had been
erected, upon which were seated a large number of invited guests. A table
upon which stood large vases of flowers occupied the centre. In a large
space in front of the platform were placed chairs and benches, on which,
long before the appointed hour for the opening of the ceremonies, an im-
mense crowd gathered to listen to the eloquent words of the orator of the
occasion, the Hon. J. M. Thurston. Just back of the audience sat the
Mexican Typical orchestra which discoursed at intervals such sweet music
— there were exclamations of delight heard from both men and women,
Just think of the number of good things that were served to refresh the
inner man. Such as ice cream, delicious cake made from Nebraska flour,
sparkling eider made from the apples that grow in the state, and besides all
this there were souvenirs for the ladies, in the shape of exquisite bouton-
naires made of fresh and natural flowers, Japanese napkins, small bags of
corn, etc., etc.

" The following musical programme under the directions of Prof. Carlos
Curti was observed :

PART I.

Overture— " Pique Dame" Sutine

Mazurka— " Remembrance of Youth" r^^t\

"LaPluied'Or" '{v'^<^'il„fl]'

Yioiin Solo, played by :::::;:::::::::::;::::;::;;:::8en;;r ^ fJ^^^^ ,

Xylophone Solo.by Director Curti.

PART II.

Overture to William Tell ,, . .

Serenade ^.Rossini.

Mexican Danza .'.'.'.".'.'.'.'.'.■.".'.'.'.■.■.".■.'■.'.'■.'.'.■.■.'.'.'.'.' Schubert.

"At the conclusion of the exercises Mr. Thurston, in behalf of Gov Dawes
formally presented the Nebraska state exhibit to the Exposition manage-
ment. Commissioner General Morehead, in behalf of the management ac-

KEPOET OF NEBRASKA COMMISSIONEE. 7

cepted tbe exhibit, and said : He felt deeply the honor of receiving the
exhibit of Nebraska, but with the exhaustive address of Mr. Thurston, an
address worthy of the great exhibit itself, he thought it sufiScient to say no
more than to return thanks for the great exhibit which speaks for itself,
and which adds so much to the value of the attractions of the government
building. He thought it also due to say that the especial credit is due
Nebraska, and the opportunity for him to say so was a fitting one because
at no time had Nebraska hesitated to come forward in doing everything in
its power to make the exposition a success. He also thought it proper to
return well merited thanks to Gov. Furnas, whose efforts in behalf of Ne-
braska deserved more than a passing notice, as too much cannot be said of
the manner in which he has sustained the honor and dignity of the state
which he represents. In conclusion he could but say that the board of
management felt it greatly honored itself in being able to receive the
great exhibit that Nebraska has sent as her share in the World's Exposition. ' '

THE WOEK.

To attempt individualizing all in the state, or elsewhere, who aided in so
many ways to present at New Orleans an exhibit which proved the wonder
and admiration of all who saw, would be simply an act of supererogation.
In all, fifteen car loads of material were shipped. All railroads in Ne-
braska, in exercise of characteristic liberality in such matters, aided this
enterprise by giving free transportation in rendezvousing material at Lin-
coln. Then, by continued liberality on the part of the Burlington &
Missouri River in Nebraska, Missouri Pacific, Kansas City, Port Scott &
Gulf, Memphis & Tennessee, and Illinois Central railroad companies, our
whole exhibit was transported from Lincoln to New Orleans free of expense.
For these generous deeds the Nebraska legislature promptly and appro-
priately passed a joint resolution of thanks, which I have been assured by
the managers of the roads indicated was highly appreciated. That
portion of the exhibit brought back to the state was returned over the same
routes, free as before. Thus we are under renewed obligations, which
through this medium is hereby acknowledged.

I appointed Hon. Samuel Barnard, President Nebraska State Horticul-
tural Society, superintendent of the horticultural department, and Mrs.
S. C. Elliott, superintendent of woman's work, investing each with full
power and control in installation and management of their respective de-
partments. Not being able to obtain the services of a competent person to
take charge of the educational department, through the kindness of Mrs.
Elliott and the additional aid of Prof. Parsons, of Hastings, Prof Grant, of
Peru, and Prof. Points, of Omaha, who were visiting New Orleans, the con-
tributions to this department were installed and placed in charge of Mrs.
G. "W. Hartzell as custodian.

8 NEW ORLEANS EXHIBITION.

Contributions to; the colored department were turned over to Col. Spell-
man, the assistant chief, in charge of that department. With his assistance
it was installed. E. R. Overall, Esq., of Omaha, had agreed, and was ex-
pected to take charge of this exhibit as superintendent, but owing to
protracted and fatal illness in his family, was unable to attend m time.
This exhibit was a collection highly creditable, and contributed largely to
make the very attractive national colored exhibit at New Orleans.

THE MANNER AND PLAN OF THE EXHIBIT.

While gratified with general results, I shall ever regret the impossibility,
or rather combination of circumstances and conditions of the Exposition
management, which prevented the presentation of our state exhibit en masse.
As it was, we were scattered over nearly the entire grounds. On the floor of
the government building was our main exhibit. The educational, woman's
work, colored and Indian departments were in different parts of the gallery
in same building. The horticultural display was in horticultural hall, a
mile or more distant. Our forestry exhibit of eight thousand living trees,
planted in open ground, was still farther away. Some exhibits were in the
main building, and one on open ground, out-doors, making, as it were, nine
different exhibits. If they could have bfeen massed the effect would have
been much better; especially could the educational department and woman's
work have been more advantageously and creditably presented than as they

IN MATTEE OF AWARDS.

So far as the collective state exhibits were concerned, no effort was made
to obtain premiums in the usual manner of making competitive awards,
for two principal reasons : First. Under regulations of the exposition all
collective state and territorial exhibits — in fact, all exhibits in the state and
government building — were non-competitive; Second. It was understood and
agreed before going to New Orleans that the Nebraska exhibit should be
massed in one grand collection. It was believed this plan would secure the
best possible advantage in obtaining what we most desired — advertising
benefits. Results demonstrated the wisdom of this policy. Nebraska re-
ceived the universal award of the press and country in presenting on ' ' open-
ing day " the best general fruit display, being 1,200 of the 2,200 plates on
exhibition — 200 more than all other states and territories combined ; also,
of being the only state installed in place on that day.

During the Exposition the Nebraska exhibit received the award of 1,420
leading newspapers and periodicals, hailing from every state and territory
in the Union, as being the best of the Exposition. Illustrations of our ex-
hibits, and highest complimentary editorials and reports were gi-\'en by such

EEPOET OF NEBRASKA COMMISSIONEE. 9

publications as Harpers' Weekly, Frank Leslie, Daily Graphic, Chicago TXmes,
New Orleans Times-Democrat, and Daily Illustrated Exposition Journal.

Except in horticultural hall, all awards of premiums at this Exposition
were made to individual exhibits — the greater proportion on merit alone,
and not on competition.

None of the money premiums awarded, so far as I am able to learn, have
ever been paid. In response to inquiries relating to payment of premiums,
made by Commissioners for the states, the Assistant Secretary of the United
States Treasury replied : ' ' Although the sum in excess of the appropriation
may ultimately be reduced by the rejection of claims in whole or part, it
would seem hardly probable that any of the claims for premiums awarded
by the Exposition can be entertained or paid. ' '

In every instance in which individuals from Nebraska competed for pre-
miums, first awards were made. Samuel Barnard and Hiram Craig were
awarded premiums on fruit exhibits; Henry Grebe, on hay rake; E. Ste-
phens, on patent bridge ; and the Lincoln Tanning Company, on new process
of tanning and display of manufactured leather. In the departments of ed-
ucation and woman's work, committees were appointed to examine exhibits
and make honorable- mention reports in cases of merit. In these, Nebraska
received her full share.

At one time during the Exposition efforts were made by the Commission-
ers from the various states and territories to have a sweepstake award made
for the best collective state exhibit. The Commissioner for Nebraska offered
to compete, and give $1,000 toward making up a fund for this purpose. For
various reasons the plan was found impracticable, and abandoned.

Experienced exhibitors have long been losing confidence in, or respect for
competitive awards. They are subject to the same "tricks of the trade " as
in politics and horse-racing. The unbiased expressions of the press and
public opinion are tribunals preferable to "select committees."

ADVERTISINa.

In matter of advertising the state, in addition to mere presentation of the
exhibits, I prepared, had printed, and circulated a 50,000-edition of a 32-
page pamphlet, "Nebraska; Her Eesources, Advantages, Advancements,
and Promises," condensing, as much as possible, essential and desirable in-
formation, that it might bo the more generally read. One hundred thousand
cards containing directory information were printed and circulated. Two
thousand copies of Mr. Thurston's "Nebraska day" oration were also
printed and distributed. In addition to these, we kept constantly filled six
advertising tables, containing matter furnished by the raili'oads and real
estate operators in the state, by the hundreds of thousands. A constant
supply of advertising matter was kept on tables in the reading room, put

10 NEW OELEANS EXHIBITION.

up ill prepaid wrappers for visitors to send their friends. No opportunity or
medium to keep the state advantageously before the ^-orld was neglected.

THE WORK AND BESULTS OF THE EXPOSITION.

All concede the Nebraska exhibit at New Orleans has been productive of
the very best resWts, both general and direct. The resources, advantages,
prospects, and promises of the state were never so favorably and forcibly
presented to the whole world. The products, congregated as they were,
from all parts of the state, were in reality a surprise to our own people, even.
To those who before knew nothing of us in person, the grand array of di-
versified products was wonderful. Thousands of inquiring eyes and minds
were at once turned toward a region they had before regarded only as barren
and unproductive. Since the close of the Exposition, and during the season
following, the large numbers who have been induced to visit our borders
found, instead, as rich, fertile acres as sun ever shone upon. Their expecta^
tions were more than realized. They came, saw, purchased, located. The
direct fruits of our exhibits have been an army of newcomers. Population
by the thousands and capital by the millions have been the results. Such a
demand for realty all over the state was never before known, as during the
current year. The appropriation made by the legislature has already yielded
"more than one hundred fold," and the end is not yet.

While briefly noting the individual and direct benefits we as a state have
derived from the New Orleans Exposition, more noble and glorious accom-
plishments were reached through this instrumentality. That the Exposition
was a financial failure, goes without saying. Unfortunately, it was located
too far from the great centre of population to give it the constant attendance
of large numbers necessary to contribute a fund ior its support. Such an
exhibition, however, was never before installed anywhere. All the states
and territories but one — Utah — were in place, with their products and inven-
tions. Nearly all other civilized nations of the earth were there — all vicing
in friendly ways who could best and most advantageously present them-
selves. The Exposition was the great educator of the age, and thus the
whole world became wiser and better. In this important sense, our people —
the people of the United States — received full share in the benefits. Those
from the extremes of the country, who before had in reality known but little
of each other personally, came together; became better acquainted; knew,
each other better and more favorably ; knew of resources and powers beforei
unknown. ' ' The wounds of the nation ' ' were more effectually healed than
could have been done by any other agency or instrumentality.

DISPOSITION OP THE EXHIBIT.

Before closing 'day of the Exposition, a very large proportion of the grains

EEPOET OP NEBRASKA COMMISSIONER. 11

on exhibition were destroyed by insects peculiar to that climate. During
the entire Exposition our exhibits in the main space ■were badly damaged
by rain, in consequence of imperfect roof. Much was donated to other states
and territories and individuals from all parts of the world. Corn, particu-
larly, was distributed to all other corn-growing states and regions. We
enjoyed the treat, before leaving the Exposition, on the 8th of June, of eat-
ing green corn, grown near the city of New Orleans, from seed of Nebraska
sweet corn furnished a gardener. Fruit and vegetables were kept in place
until decay demanded their removal. What grain remained in condition to
sell, not otherwise disposed of, was sold to best advantage, and will be found
accounted for in my statement rendered. As per agreement, flour, meal,
and canned exhibits were sold, and proceeds returned to contributors, re-
ceipts for which will be found on file with statement. The native grasses,
wood specimens, stone, stone coal, brick, soil, building sand, fosils, Indian
relics, together with grain specimens, were placed to the credit of Nebraska
in the cabinets of Tulane University, New Orleans; Louisiana State Uni-
versity, Baton Eouge; Mississippi University, Oxford; the Univerities of
North and South Carolina, Ohio, California, Tennessee, and Smithsonian
Institute. A map of each, Nebraska, United States, and Europe, made at
the Nebraska State Normal School; photographs of the State Normal and
Omaha public schools, a number of maps from the preparatory department
of the Normal School, botanical specimens, and six compositions from the
same, were presented to the government of France, through her commis-
sioner of education at the Exposition. The jellies, preserved fruits, and
other such exhibits in glass, not broken or otherwise destroyed, were pre-
sented to the ' ' Faith Home for Aged and Infirm Colored Women, ' ' the
acknowledgment of which is shown by the following letter from the Rev. S.
T. Clanton, secretary :

New Orleans, May 30, 1885.
BoM. W. Furnas, U. 8. Pommissioner for Nebraska:

Dear Sir — Through the kindness of Col. James Lewis, your liberal dona-
tion of jelly, canned fruits, and syrup was received with gladness. They
cheered the aged and friendless inmates ; and the gifts so timely and gener-
ously given put not only the helpless old ladies under obligation to you, the
state you represent, and the ladies' department, but also the board of man-
agers charged with the care and support of the Home, who acknowledge with
gratitude the benefit bestowed by you.

We feel grateful to the ladies' department of Nebraska, .especially to the
honored lady Commissioner, Mrs. Elliott. We earnestly invoke the bless-
ings of a bountiful Providence upon your state, its inhabitants, its natural
resources, and upon those things that develop the capabilities of a state and
its people.

12 NEW ORLEANS EXHIBITION.

In the name of the aged inmates, and on behalf of the board of managers
of the "Faith Home for the Aged and Infirm," I return sincere thanks to
you and to Mrs. Elliott, the lady Commissioner of Nebraska, for your gener-
ous contribution of fruit.

Yours truly,

S. T. CLANTON,
Cor. Sec'y Board of Home.

Contributions to the woman's work and educational departments, with
exceptions named, were brought home, and, at the expense of funds at my
command, returned to their respective owners. Fixtures, furniture, and
books belonging to the exhibit were appropriately distributed among state
organizations ; some to the Home for the Friendless, State Historical Society,
State Board of Agriculture, State Horticultural Society, State Library, and
Commissioner of Public Buildings.

Contributions of value were obtained from other states, which were
brought home and turned over to our State University. Through the efforts
of Mrs. S. C. Elliott, a valuable collection of models and casts were pur-
chased from the French educational exhibit for the use of the art department
of Nebraska State University. The funds for this purpose I advanced, and
after returning home was reimbursed by the University management.

For want of funds, in the matter of adding to the cabinet of our State
University, the opportunity of a lifetime was lost, A grand collection
could have been made at comparatively small cost.

COMPLIMENTS OP THE NEBRASKA LEGISLATUEE.

As the Legislative assembly, in addition to the appropriation, attached
sufScient importance to the work of your Commissioner at New Orleans, to
warrant special compliments, the following official correspondence is made
a portion of this report :

secketaby bogoen's letter.

State op Nebraska,
Secretary's Opfice,
Lincoln, Neb., April 30, 1885.
Hon. Bobert W. Furnas, Commissioner from Nebraska, New Orleans E.vposition:
DeaeSir :— I have the honor, in accordance with the provision of a joint
resolution adopted by the legislature of Nebraska and approved March 5,
a. d. 1885, to tender to you herewith a copy of the said joint resolution^
expressing the most grateful thanks of the senate and the house of repre-
sentatives of this state for your efforts on behalf of Nebraska at the World's
Exposition, and a gold medal commemorative of those services and the oc-
casion that called them out.
Permit me to tender, also, my congratulations to you upon this well

EEPOET OP NEBBASKA COMMISSIONEB. 13

deserved recognition by the representatives of the people, and upon your
eminent success in representing our young but great commonwealth at the
Exposition at New Orleans. I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient
servant, EDWARD P. EOGGEN,

Secretary of State.

JOINT EESOLUTION.

Whereas, Robert W. Furnas, by his untiring energy and efforts on be-
half of Nebraska at the World's Cotton Exposition at New Orleans, has
made the Nebraska exhibit one which is most creditable to our state, and in
which every Nebraskan may well feel proud : and

Whbkeas, The said Robert W. Furnas by said exhibit has directed the
attention of the whole country to our fertile soil and vast agricultural re-
sources, which must and will result in building up our state and bringing
within its border capital and people: *

Therefore, The Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Ne-
Tjraska, now in session , tender to the said Robert W. Furnas our most grateful
thanks for his efforts on behalf of this state, and we hereby request and
authorize the secretary of state to procure a suitable gold medal and tender
the same with a copy of this resolution to him, and that the secretary ot
state is hereby authorized to use one hundred dollars of the fifteen thousand
dollars appropriated for the New Orleans exhibition heretofore to pay for
such medal.

(Signed) H. H. SHEDD,
Attest — President of the Senate.

(Signed) Sheewood Buee,

Secretary of Senate.

(Signed) ALLEN W. FIELD,
Speaker of the Souse of Bepresentatives.
(Signed) James F. Zedikee,

Chief Clerk of Souse of Bepresefntatives.
Approved March 5, 1885. (Signed) JAMES W. DAWES.

Governor.

THE MEDAL

Is entirely of gold with the exception of one small square of enamel.
From a bar at the top and partly cut into the bar hangs a small square
bearing the national flag with the words " Nebraska, she is just eighteen
years old." A bar with a circular plate at the center hangs by short chains
from this. The circle bears the recipient's monogram in gold of different
tints. Below this hangs the American eagle with a shield in its talons and
attached solidly to this by one point is a six pointed star surrounded by a
wreath. In the middle of the star Nebraska's coat of arms is wonderfully

14 NEW OKEBANS EXHIBITION.

wrought in different colors of gold, and on the different points are designs
representing the products of the soil and instruments of toil. On the re-
verse of the star is the following inscription :

E. "W. FTJENAS,

Commissioner of Nebraska,

1884 — New Orleans Exposition — 1885

With the thanks of the Legislature.

" Palmam qui Meruit Feral."

the commissioneb's acknowledgment.

The World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition,
New Orleans, Louisiana, Exposition Grounds,
New Orleans, La., May 15, 1885.
Hon. E. P. Boggen, Secretary of State, Lincoln, Neb. :

D:^E Sir: — I have the honor to hereby acknowledge the receipt of your
valued favor of April 30, and in due time since, the medal and engrossed
copy of joint resolution passed by the legislative assembly, providing for
the testimonial tendered me for services at the World's Industrial and Cot-
ton Centennial Exhibition, New Orleans, La. In reply, I beg, sir, that you
convey to the representatives of the people of Nebraska, my most profound
thanks for this manifestation of their approval of my efforts in presenting
to the world the wonderful resources and advantages of our young state
and growing commonwealth. That I have succeeded to their satisfaction
and to an extent warranting such evidence as presented, I consider the
happiest act of my public life. I fully appreciate these magnificent souve-
nirs, which will ever be treasured and regarded as a value above reckoning
in dollars and cents.

While this testimonial is made me as manager and individual in charge
of the work for which it is given, I would be unmindful of duty to others
did I fail in recognition and acknowledgment of aid rendered me in this
important undertaking.

I was most fortunate in the selection of those called to assist me. The
devoted and untiring industry and service of Mrs. S. C. Elliott in the
woman's work department, and in placing the educational exhibit, have
been of incalculable worth, both to the cause of her sex and in advertising
the state. She has been ably assisted by Miss Phoebe L. Elliott The
work of John C. Bonnell, as seen in the artistic and decorative arraiK^e-
ments at the main exhibit, is admitted by all to be unequaled in the whole
Exposition. Samuel Barnard, in making the horticultural display not
only sustained but increased our testimonials in this respect. James T
Allaai, in charge of correspondence, reading room, and post-office, has been
ever faithful, agreeable, and entertaining-interesting strangers and im-
partmg information. S. McConiga was of sterling merit in the transporta-

REPORT OF NEBRASKA COJIMISSIONEE. 15

tion department, and in placing the main exhibit. The clerks in my office,
W. H. Fowler and C. H. Blanchard, are not only competent, gentlemenly,
efficient, and trustworthy, but always ready and willing to aid in any direc-
tion indicated. Harry Hotchkiss, as an artist, was Mr. Bonnell's valuable
assistant, as were also C. W. Baker and W. J. Aitkin. X). B. Mills, B. P.
Russell, and W. W. Watson, as state exponents in main space, did work of
great value. Mrs. Gr. W. Hartzell, in the educational department, is en-
titled to thanks.

Thanking you, Mr. Secretary of State, for the elegant and satisfactory
manner in which you have prepared these testimonials,

I am, sir, as ever, yours with great respect,
EOBT. W. FUENAS,
United States Commissioner for Nebraska.

Desiring that especially Mr. Bonnell and Mrs. Elliott should share with
me the more enduring testimonials, at my individual expense, I have de-
signed, made, and presented to each a gold medal, accompanied with the
following letters of transmittal:

Nebraska Head-quartees New Orleans Exposition,

May 16th, 1885.
John C. Bonnell, Esq.,

Dear Sir: — Feeling that your artistic taste and work at the New Or-
leans Exposition have contributed so largely to attract attention and
popularize the Nebraska exhibit, and that something more lasting and per-
petuating than mere ' ' thank words ' ' should be yours, I take pleasure in
presenting you as a souvenir, a gold medal, representing your last and best
decorative work, known as the " Flag panel. ' ' In my opinion, this piece
of work has attracted more attention and admiration than any other one
object in the Government building.

Thanking you both personally and in behalf of the state for the valuable
assistance you have rendered me in presenting our promising young state
to the eyes of the world, in a way and manner calling forth universal
commendation, I remain as ever.

Yours very truly,

EOBT. "W. FUENAS,
U. 8. Com. for Neb.

Nebraska Head-quarters New Orleans Exposition,

May 16th, 1885.
Mrs. S. C. Elliott,

Dear Madam: — Fully appreciating as I do, and have from the com-
mencement of our work, your valuable assistance in presenting the Ne-
braska exhibit at New Orleans, I desire to acknowledge your services in a

16 NKW ORLEANS EXHIBITION.

more flttiug, substantial, and enduring manner than mere expression of
thanks, feeling well assured that in so doing I but voice the sentiments of
every Nebraskan, as well as all others who witnessed the part you have
taken, and the work you have performed. To this end I tender you the
accompanying gold medal, in design indicating Wisdom, Industry, Art,
and Music. I trust this souvenir will serve to remind you, and even your
"children's children " that you have fairly won the plaudit, " "Well done,
thou good and faithful one,"

In addition, accept, please, my thanks, with best wishes for your future
happiness and usefulness,

Very truly,

ROBT. W. FUEXAS,
U. 8. Com. for Nebraska.

A catalogue of the stale exhibit was prepared, printed, and a copy sent
to each contributor early after my return last spring.

During the progress of installation, young Mr. Aitkin, of Lincoln, at the
time in my employ, accidentally fell from a scaffold and was badly injured.
He was at once placed in one of the best hospitals for which New Orleans is
characterized, where he received every medical and other treatment and
care possible until entirely convalescent. I paid all the hospital expenses,
as well as allowed him wages during confinement.

The Stale Journal, Lincoln, and Herald and Republican, Omaha, each man-
ufactured expressly for, and presented the Nebraska Exhibit, large and
elaborately bound visitors' registers.

I deem it but due, and am free to say, that in all my intercourse, personal
and official, with the Exposition management at New Orleans, all was most
pleasant and mutually accommodating. Nothing more could be desired
than was done by them and received by me. The eight months spent in the
Crescent City were both pleasant and profitable. I left with pleasant recol-
lections, and desires to spend with that hospitable people more such seasons.

I have delayed this report until November, 1885, that I might more ad-
visedly refer to benefits inuring direct to the state by reason of the exhibit
made at New Orleans.

Now, in conclusion, permit me to express the belief that a work has been
accompHshed for the state in which we may all take pride. Trusting that
my labor and report may meet the approbation of both yourself and the
people, I am, sir,

Yours with great respect,

ROBT. W. FURNAS,

U. S. Com. for Neb.